Josh Smith stars as Atlanta Hawks squeak past New Jersey Nets 106-101: NBA Recap
Atlanta Hawks and New Jersey have met twice this season and on both the occasions, Hawks dominated the Nets.
On Monday night, both teams bumped into each other for the third time within a span of 16 days and once again the result was no different. The Hawks continued their supremacy and kept the winning record intact by squeaking past
the Nets 106-101.
The most satisfying feature of this game was that the complete starting lineup performed and scored in double figures.
Forward Josh Smith led the team with a game high 26 points on 10 for 14 from the floor, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Joe Johnson had 22; Jeff Teague accumulated 20 while Al Horford and Vladimir Radmanovic both netted 14 apiece along
with 15 combined rebounds between them.
"It's always toughest to play a team a third time around," said Josh Smith after the game “It almost had the feel of being a semi-playoff game. We took over the game early, but they put their best effort for us. They always play
hard. I just didn't want to get disappointed and lose this one. This is probably the best game I've played here."
Hawks were accurate with their shooting and knocked down 53.8% from the floor including 9-for-21 from the long range. Nets on the other hand put up a much improved performance in contrast to their last two losses and despite trailing
throughout the game, made few massive comebacks in the game.
Their shooting was pretty reasonable too; however they committed 16 turnovers in contrast to 10 by Hawks, which hurt them in the end.
Anthony Morrow led the Nets with 20 points while the talented rookie MaRshon Brooks put up yet another impressive performance by pounding 19 points and grabbing 10 boards. Deron Williams had a double-double (15 points, 14 assists)
whereas Kris Humphries netted 13.
Smith got Hawks off to a flying start that helped the team in dominating the first frame completely. Hawks were ahead by 14 points 37-23 after Radmanovic drilled a three in the fourth minute of the second frame. However, the Nets
responded well and initiated a 16-6 spurt in the ensuing passage to get as close 39-43. They however failed to grab the advantage and froze in the next few minutes, allowing Hawks to reel off a 13-6 run to end the first half in control at 56-45.
Atlanta maintained the advantage and were cruising to a win, ahead by 100-91 with two minutes remaining. However, the Nets again showed some urgency and by rattling a 10-4 run, capped by Morrows’ three, they opened the game again.
With just a104-101 deficit and few seconds still remaining in the game, the Nets needed a moment of brilliance to steal the game from Hawks, but they failed to reign in the clutch.
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